CN115335109B - Sensor assemblies and systems, methods, and computer program products for identifying devices connected to a device connector - Google Patents

Sensor assemblies and systems, methods, and computer program products for identifying devices connected to a device connector Download PDF

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Publication number
CN115335109B
CN115335109B CN202180023333.4A CN202180023333A CN115335109B CN 115335109 B CN115335109 B CN 115335109B CN 202180023333 A CN202180023333 A CN 202180023333A CN 115335109 B CN115335109 B CN 115335109B
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medical device
connector
sensor
sensor assembly
switches
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CN115335109A (en
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J·巴尔吉
M·A·纳尔逊
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Becton Dickinson and Co
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Becton Dickinson and Co
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M39/00Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
    • A61M39/10Tube connectors; Tube couplings
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M25/00Catheters; Hollow probes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M39/00Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
    • A61M39/10Tube connectors; Tube couplings
    • A61M39/16Tube connectors; Tube couplings having provision for disinfection or sterilisation
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M39/00Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
    • A61M39/20Closure caps or plugs for connectors or open ends of tubes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178Syringes
    • A61M5/31Details
    • GPHYSICS
    • G16INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16HHEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H40/00ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices
    • G16H40/60ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices
    • G16H40/67ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for remote operation
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M39/00Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
    • A61M39/10Tube connectors; Tube couplings
    • A61M2039/1005Detection of disconnection
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3306Optical measuring means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/332Force measuring means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3331Pressure; Flow
    • A61M2205/3337Controlling, regulating pressure or flow by means of a valve by-passing a pump
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/35Communication
    • A61M2205/3546Range
    • A61M2205/3561Range local, e.g. within room or hospital
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/35Communication
    • A61M2205/3576Communication with non implanted data transmission devices, e.g. using external transmitter or receiver
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/50General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/581Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by audible feedback
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/58Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision
    • A61M2205/583Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision by visual feedback
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/60General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means
    • A61M2205/6036General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means characterised by physical shape, e.g. array of activating switches

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
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  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Primary Health Care (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Measuring And Recording Apparatus For Diagnosis (AREA)
  • Ultra Sonic Daignosis Equipment (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices With Unspecified Measuring Means (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Abstract

A sensor assembly may include a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device. The sensor may be configured to detect a size of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device. A system may include a sensor assembly and one or more processors programmed and/or configured to determine a type of the another medical device based on a detected size. A method may include: detecting a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device with a sensor surrounding the connector of the medical device; and determining a type of the another medical device based on the detected size.

Description

Sensor assemblies and systems, methods, and computer program products for identifying devices connected to a device connector
Cross Reference to Related Applications
The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional application serial No. 62/975,430 entitled "sensor assemblies and systems, methods, and computer program products for identifying devices connected to device connectors" filed on day 2 and 12 of 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to an identification device and, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to a system, device, product, apparatus, and/or method for identifying a device that is or has been connected to a device connector.
Background
Existing systems in the medical field may detect when two devices are connected to each other by employing RFID technology or an electrical connection between the two devices. However, these existing systems fail to identify the type of medical device connected without detecting the identification number of the medical device. For example, the RFID tag may store an identification number or a bar code reader may be used to read a bar code that includes an identification number associated with the medical device. As such, communication between devices, readers, and/or tags may be required, and/or medical devices that do not have RFID tags or bar codes (or that have incompatible tags or bar codes) may not be identifiable. There is therefore a need in the art for improved identification of devices connected to device connectors.
Disclosure of Invention
Accordingly, improved systems, devices, products, apparatuses, and/or methods for identifying devices connected to a device connector are provided.
According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, there is provided a sensor assembly comprising: a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device.
According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, there is provided a system comprising: a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a size of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device; and one or more processors programmed and/or configured to determine a type of the other medical device based on the detected size.
According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, there is provided a method comprising: detecting a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device with a sensor surrounding the connector of the medical device; and determining, with the at least one processor, a type of the another medical device based on the detected size.
According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, there is provided a computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: a sensor controlling a connector surrounding a medical device detects a size of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device; and determining a type of the another medical device based on the detected size.
Further embodiments or aspects are set forth in the following numbered clauses:
clause 1. A sensor assembly comprising: a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a size of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device.
Clause 2. The sensor assembly of clause 1, wherein the sensor comprises a force sensor.
Clause 3 the sensor assembly of any of clauses 1 and 2, wherein the force sensor comprises a plurality of switches disposed at different distances from a center of the connector of the medical device, and wherein each of the plurality of switches is configured to be actuated in response to a physical force applied thereto.
Clause 4 the sensor assembly of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the plurality of switches comprises a plurality of conductive circuits surrounding the connector of the medical device.
Clause 5 the sensor assembly of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the plurality of conductive circuits comprises a plurality of concentric rings.
Clause 6 the sensor assembly of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the plurality of switches comprise a flexible layer of conductive or semiconductive material over the plurality of conductive circuits.
Clause 7. The sensor assembly of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the flexible layer of the conductive or semiconductive material comprises a force sensitive resistor or comprises a carbon and/or graphite infused polymer.
Clause 8 the sensor assembly of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the plurality of switches comprise a water impermeable coating surrounding the flexible layer and the plurality of conductive circuits.
Clause 9 the sensor assembly of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the plurality of switches comprises an anisotropic elastomeric layer on the flexible layer.
Clause 10 the sensor assembly of any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of switches comprise spring loaded metal rings on the plurality of conductive circuits.
Clause 11 the sensor assembly of any of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor.
The sensor assembly of any one of clauses 1-11, wherein the sensor is removably attached to the connector of the medical device.
Clause 13 the sensor assembly of any of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the sensor is integrally formed with the connector of the medical device.
The sensor assembly of any one of clauses 1-13, wherein the connector comprises a needleless connector or a luer connector.
The sensor assembly of any one of clauses 1-14, wherein the detected dimension comprises at least one of: (i) The distance of the outer edge of the end of the other connector of the other medical device from the center of the connector of the medical device; and (ii) a cross-sectional area of the end of the other connector of the other medical device.
Clause 16 the sensor assembly of any of clauses 1-15, further comprising: an indicator configured to provide at least one of an audio indication and a visual indication associated with the size of the end of the other connector of the other medical device.
Clause 17 the sensor assembly of any of clauses 1-16, further comprising: a wireless communication device configured to transmit information associated with at least one of the following to a remote computing device: (i) The dimension of the end of the other connector of the other medical device; and (ii) connection or disconnection of the medical device to the other medical device.
Clause 18 the sensor assembly of any of clauses 1 to 17, further comprising: one or more processors programmed and/or configured to determine a type of the another medical device based on the detected size.
Clause 19, a system comprising: a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a size of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device; and one or more processors programmed and/or configured to determine a type of the other medical device based on the detected size.
The system of clause 20, wherein the sensor comprises a force sensor, wherein the force sensor comprises a plurality of switches disposed at different distances from a center of the connector of the medical device, wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is configured to be actuated in response to a physical force applied thereto, and wherein actuation of a switch of the plurality of switches furthest from the center of the connector of the medical device is associated with the dimension of the end of the other connector of the other medical device.
The system of any one of clauses 19 and 20, wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor, and wherein the detected dimension comprises at least one of: (i) The distance of the outer edge of the end of the other connector of the other medical device from the center of the connector of the medical device; and (ii) a cross-sectional area of the end of the other connector of the other medical device.
The system of any one of clauses 19 to 21, further comprising: a wireless communication device configured to communicate information associated with at least one of the following to the one or more processors: (i) The dimension of the end of the other connector of the other medical device; and (ii) connection or disconnection of the medical device to the other medical device.
Clause 23 the system of any of clauses 19 to 22, wherein the type of the other medical device comprises a syringe, a catheter, or a disinfection cap.
Clause 24, a method comprising: detecting a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device with a sensor surrounding the connector of the medical device; and determining, with the at least one processor, a type of the another medical device based on the detected size.
The method of clause 25, wherein detecting the dimension of the end of the other connector of the other medical device comprises detecting at least one of: (i) The distance of the outer edge of the end of the other connector of the other medical device from the center of the connector of the medical device; and (ii) a cross-sectional area of the end of the other connector of the other medical device.
The method of any one of clauses 24 and 25, further comprising: at least one of an audio indication and a visual indication associated with the size of the end of the other connector of the other medical device is provided with an indicator.
The method of any one of clauses 24 to 26, further comprising: transmitting, with the wireless communication device, information associated with at least one of: (i) The dimension of the end of the other connector of the other medical device; and (ii) connection or disconnection of the medical device to the other medical device.
The method of any one of clauses 24 to 27, further comprising: controlling, with at least one processor, a flow of fluid in a fluid flow path containing the medical device and the another medical device based on the information.
Clause 29, a computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer readable medium containing program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: a sensor controlling a connector surrounding a medical device detects a size of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device; and determining a type of the another medical device based on the detected size.
The computer program product of clause 30, wherein the instructions further cause the at least one processor to: the indicator is controlled to provide at least one of an audio indication and a visual indication associated with the size of the end of the other connector of the other medical device.
These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and the functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Drawings
Further advantages and details of embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure are explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an environment in which the systems, apparatuses, products, devices, and/or methods described herein may be implemented;
FIG. 2 is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of components of one or more devices and/or one or more systems of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of components of one or more of the devices of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of components of one or more of the devices of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an implementation of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a component of one or more of the devices of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an implementation of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a component of one or more of the devices of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an implementation of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a component of one or more of the devices of FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an implementation of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a component of one or more of the devices of FIG. 4; and
FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of a process for identifying a device connected to a device connector.
Detailed Description
It is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary and non-limiting embodiments or aspects. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
For purposes of the following description, the terms "end," "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the present disclosure as oriented in the figures. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments or aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments or aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless indicated otherwise.
No aspect, component, element, structure, act, step, function, instruction, and/or the like used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Moreover, the article "a" as used herein is intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" and "at least one". Furthermore, the term "set" as used herein is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, combinations of related and unrelated items, etc.), and can be used interchangeably with "one or more" or "at least one". Where only one item is intended, the terms "a" or "an" or similar language are used. Also, the terms "having," "carrying," "having," or the like as used herein are intended to be open ended terms. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on".
The terms "communication" and "transmitting" as used herein refer to receiving or transmitting one or more signals, messages, commands, or other types of data. Communication of one element (e.g., any device, system, or component thereof) with another element means that the one element is capable of directly or indirectly receiving data from and/or transmitting data directly or indirectly to the other element. This may refer to a direct or indirect connection that is wired and/or wireless in nature. In addition, the two units may communicate with each other even though data transmitted between the first unit and the second unit may be modified, processed, relayed, and/or routed. For example, a first unit may communicate with a second unit even though the first unit passively receives data and does not actively transmit data to the second unit. As another example, if an intermediate unit processes data received from one unit and transmits the processed data to a second unit, the first unit may communicate with the second unit. It should be appreciated that many other arrangements are possible.
It is apparent that the systems and/or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware, software, or combinations of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement the systems and/or methods is not limiting of the implementation. Thus, the operations and behavior of the systems and/or methods were described without reference to the specific software code-it being understood that software and hardware can be designed to implement the systems and/or methods based on the description herein.
Some non-limiting embodiments or aspects are described herein in connection with threshold values. As used herein, meeting a threshold may refer to greater than, greater than or equal to a threshold less than a threshold, less than or equal to a threshold, etc.
The term "computing device" or "computer device" as used herein may refer to one or more electronic devices configured to communicate directly or indirectly with or through one or more networks. The computing device may be a mobile device, a desktop computer, or the like. Furthermore, the term "computer" may refer to any computing device that includes the necessary components to receive, process, and output data, and that typically includes a display, a processor, memory, input devices, and a network interface. An "application" or "application program interface" (API) refers to computer code or other data, categorized on a computer-readable medium, that may be executed by a processor to facilitate interaction between software components, such as client-side front-ends and/or server-side back-ends, in order to receive data from a client. An "interface" refers to a generated display, such as one or more Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) with which a user may interact directly or indirectly (e.g., via a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, etc.).
The term "server" as used herein may refer to or include one or more processors or computers, storage devices, or similar computer arrangements operated by or facilitating communication and processing by multiple parties in a network environment (e.g., the internet), although it should be appreciated that communication may be facilitated through one or more public or private network environments and various other arrangements are possible. Further, multiple computers (e.g., servers) or other computerized devices (e.g., POS devices) in direct or indirect communication in a network environment may constitute a "system," such as a merchant POS system. The term "data center" as used herein may include one or more servers or other computing devices and/or databases.
The term "mobile device" as used herein may refer to one or more portable electronic devices configured to communicate with one or more networks. As examples, mobile devices may include cellular telephones (e.g., smartphones or standard cellular telephones), portable computers (e.g., tablet computers, laptop computers, etc.), wearable devices (e.g., watches, glasses, lenses, clothing, and/or the like), personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and/or other similar devices. The terms "client device" and "user device" as used herein refer to any electronic device configured to communicate with one or more servers or remote devices and/or systems. The client device or user device may include a mobile device, a network-enabled appliance (e.g., a network-enabled television, refrigerator, thermostat, and/or the like), a computer, and/or any other device or system capable of communicating with a network.
The term "application" or "application program interface" (API) as used herein refers to computer code, rule sets, or other data categorized on a computer readable medium that may be executed by a processor to facilitate interaction between software components, such as client front-ends and/or server-side back-ends, in order to receive data from a client. An "interface" refers to a generated display, such as one or more Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) with which a user may interact directly or indirectly (e.g., via a keyboard, mouse, etc.).
Non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure relate to a sensor assembly including a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device. In this way, a lower cost sensor for a medical device connector may be provided that enables detection of an attached device and identification of the attached device based on the size of the end of the connector of such a device.
Non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods, and computer program products that utilize a sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device to detect a size of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device; and determining a type of the another medical device based on the detected size. In this way, the device may be identified without using communication between the device, reader, and/or tag and/or relying on an RFID tag or bar code to provide an identification number for the device.
Referring to FIG. 1, a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an environment 100 in which systems, apparatuses, products, devices, and/or methods as described herein may be implemented is shown. As shown in fig. 1, environment 100 may include a medical device 102, another medical device 104, a sensor assembly 106, a communication network 108, and/or a remote computing device 110.
The medical device 102 and the other medical device 104 may be configured to be physically connected to each other, as described in more detail herein. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a medical device (e.g., medical device 102, another medical device 104, etc.) may include a syringe, a catheter, a disinfection cap, and/or the like. For example, one type of medical device may include at least one of the following: a syringe, a syringe size, a catheter, a disinfection cap, or any combination thereof. Further details regarding non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the medical device are provided below with respect to fig. 3.
As described in more detail herein, the sensor assembly 106 may be attached to (e.g., removably attached to, permanently attached to, etc.) or integrally formed with the medical device 102. The sensor assembly 106 may include one or more devices capable of receiving information and/or data from the remote computing device 110 and/or another sensor assembly 106 (e.g., via the communication network 108, etc.) and/or transmitting information and/or data to the remote computing device 110 and/or another sensor assembly 106 (e.g., via the communication network 108, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 106 includes one or more computing devices, chips, contactless transmitters, contactless transceivers, NFC transmitters, RFID transmitters, contact-based transmitters, and/or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 106 may include one or more devices capable of communicating via a short-range wireless communication connection (e.g., a communication connection using NFC protocols, a communication connection using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), a communication connection using RFID)A wireless technology standard communication connection, and/or the like) transmits information to the remote computing system 110 and/or to another sensor assembly 106. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 106 includes an integrated power source (not shown), such as a battery, and/or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 106 receives power via a wireless transmission power source (e.g., via RF transmissions and/or the like from another sensor assembly 106 and/or the remote computing device 110). Further details regarding non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the sensor assembly 106 are provided below with respect to fig. 3-8.
The communication network 108 may include one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, the communication network 108 may include a cellular network (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, a third generation (3G) network, a fourth generation (4G) network, a fifth generation (5G) network, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, etc.), a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), a telephone network (e.g., a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)), a private network, an ad hoc network, an intranet, the internet, a fiber-optic based network, a cloud computing network, and/or the like, and/or a combination of these or other types of networks.
The remote computing device 110 may include one or more devices capable of receiving information and/or data from the sensor assembly 106 and/or another remote computing network 110 (e.g., via the communication network 108, etc.) and/or transmitting information and/or data to the sensor assembly 106 and/or another remote computing network 110 (e.g., via the communication network 108, etc.). For example, the remote computing device 110 may include a computing device, a server bank, a mobile device bank, and/or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the remote computing device 110 includes one or more computing devices, chips, contactless transmitters, contactless transceivers, NFC transmitters, RFID transmitters, contact-based transmitters, and/or the like that enable the remote computing device 110 to communicate via a short-range wireless communication connection (e.g., a communication connection using NFC protocols, a communication connection using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), a useA communication connection of a wireless technology standard, and/or the like) receives information directly from and/or communicates information directly to the sensor assembly 106. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the remote computing device 110 may be implemented within the sensor assembly 106. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the remote computing device 110 is configured as a bedside unit that can be positioned near a patient. For example, the bedside unit may be connected to a wall of a patient room, an iv pole, and/or a carrier held in place by a patient bed (e.g., between mattresses) at or near the patient's side. The bedside device may display an audio and/or visual warning and/or indication, as described in more detail herein.
The number and arrangement of the devices and systems shown in fig. 1 are provided as examples. Additional devices and/or systems, fewer devices and/or systems, different devices and/or systems, or different arrangements of devices and/or systems may be provided than those shown in fig. 1. Furthermore, two or more of the devices and/or systems shown in fig. 1 may be implemented in a single device and/or system, or a single device and/or system shown in fig. 1 may be implemented as multiple distributed devices and/or systems. Additionally or alternatively, one set of devices and/or systems (e.g., one or more devices or systems) of environment 100 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices and/or systems of environment 100.
Referring now to fig. 2, fig. 2 is a diagram of exemplary components of an apparatus 200. The device 200 may correspond to the sensor assembly 106 and/or the remote computing device 110. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 106 and/or the remote computing device 110 may include at least one device 200 and/or at least one component of the device 200. As shown in FIG. 2, apparatus 200 may include a bus 202, a processor 204, a memory 206, a storage component 208, an input component 210, an output component 212, and/or a communication interface 214.
Bus 202 may include components that allow communication among the components of apparatus 200. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the processor 204 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, the processor 204 may include a processor (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Acceleration Processing Unit (APU), etc.), a microprocessor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), and/or any processing component (e.g., a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.), and/or the like, which may be programmed to perform functions. Memory 206 may include Random Access Memory (RAM), read Only Memory (ROM), and/or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, etc.) that stores information and/or instructions for use by processor 204.
The storage component 208 can store information and/or software related to the operation and use of the apparatus 200. For example, storage component 208 can include a hard disk (e.g., magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, solid state disk, etc.), a Compact Disk (CD), a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a floppy disk, a magnetic cassette, a magnetic tape, and/or other types of computer readable media and corresponding drive.
Input component 210 may include components that allow device 200 to receive information, for example, via user input (e.g., a touch screen display, keyboard, keypad, mouse, buttons, switches, microphone, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the input component 210 can include sensors (e.g., global Positioning System (GPS) components, accelerometers, gyroscopes, actuators, etc.) for sensing information. Output component 212 can include components (e.g., a display, a speaker, one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), etc.) that provide output information from device 200.
The communication interface 214 may include transceiver-like components (e.g., a transceiver, separate receiver and transmission sources, etc.) that enable the device 200 to communicate with other devices, for example, via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. Communication interface 214 may allow device 200 to receive information from and/or provide information to another device. For example, communication interface 214 may include an ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a Radio Frequency (RF) interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a cellular network interface, and/or the like.
The apparatus 200 may perform one or more of the processes described herein. The apparatus 200 may perform these processes based on the processor 204 implementing software instructions stored by a computer-readable medium, such as the memory 206 and/or the storage component 208. A computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) is defined herein as a non-transitory memory device. A memory device includes a memory space that is located within a single physical storage device or a memory space that is distributed across multiple physical storage devices.
The software instructions may be read into memory 206 and/or storage component 208 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via communication interface 214. When executed, software instructions stored in memory 206 and/or storage component 208 may cause processor 204 to perform one or more processes described herein. Additionally or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Thus, embodiments or aspects described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.
Memory 206 and/or storage component 208 can include a data store or one or more data structures (e.g., a database, etc.). The apparatus 200 is capable of receiving information from, storing information in, transmitting information to, or searching information stored in a data store or one or more data structures in the memory 206 and/or the storage component 208.
The number and arrangement of components shown in fig. 2 are provided as examples. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the apparatus 200 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in fig. 2. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of apparatus 200 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of apparatus 200.
Referring now to fig. 3, fig. 3 is a diagram of exemplary components of medical device 102 (and/or medical device 104). For example, the medical device 102 may include a body 302, a connector 304, a connector tip 306, and a connector end 308. The connector end 308 may be located at a distal end of the connector tip 306 of the connector 304 opposite the connector body 302. The center C of the connector 304 (e.g., the center C of the cross-sectional area a defined by the connector end 308, etc.) may correspond to the longitudinal axis of the connector 304. Additionally or alternatively, where the sensor assembly 106 completely surrounds the connector 304 of the medical device 102, a center C of the sensor assembly 106 (e.g., a center C of a cross-sectional area a defined by a distal end of the sensor assembly 106, etc.) may correspond to a longitudinal axis of the sensor assembly 106 and/or the connector 304. The connector 304 of the medical device 102 may be configured to physically connect (e.g., mate, attach, lock, press fit, etc.) to a complementary connector 304 of another medical device 104. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the connector 304 comprises a needleless connector (e.g., BD MaxZero TM connector, etc.), a luer connector, a catheter-end connector, and/or the like.
As further shown in fig. 3, the sensor assembly 106 may surround the connector 304 of the medical device 102. For example, the sensor assembly 106 may surround the connector 304 of the medical device 102 at the connector end 306 (e.g., at a distal end of the connector 304 near the connector end 308). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 106 may completely surround the connector 304 of the medical device 102. For example, the sensor assembly 106 may have an annular shape as shown in fig. 3. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 106 may only partially surround the connector 304 of the medical device 102. For example, the sensor assembly 106 may have a C-shape. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 106 may be removably attached to the connector 304 (e.g., removably attached to the connector end 306, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 106 may be integrally formed with the connector 304 (e.g., integrally formed with the connector end 306, etc.).
The number and arrangement of components shown in fig. 3 are provided as examples. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the medical device 102 (and/or the medical device 104) may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in fig. 3.
Referring now to fig. 4, fig. 4 is a diagram of exemplary components of the sensor assembly 106. The sensor assembly 106 may include a connectivity sensor 402, an indicator 404, and/or a wireless communication device 406.
The connection sensor 402 may be configured to detect a size of an end of the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104 when the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104 is connected to the connector 304 of the medical device 102. For example, the detected dimensions may include at least one of: (i) The distance of the outer edge of the end 308 of the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104 from the center C of the connector 304 of the medical device 104; and (ii) a cross-sectional area a of another connector 304 of another medical device 104. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the connection sensor 402 may be configured to detect connection and/or disconnection of the medical device 102 to another medical device 104. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the connection sensor 402 may include a force sensor and/or an optical sensor.
The indicator 404 may be configured to provide at least one of an audio indication and a visual indication associated with the size of the end 308 of the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104. For example, the indicator 404 may include an LED, a vibrating element, a speaker, and/or the like. As an example, the indicator 404 may output different colored LED lights and/or different sounds to indicate a different size or type of another medical device 104. In such examples, a first output (e.g., blue light, etc.) of the indicator 404 may correspond to a first type of medical device (e.g., syringe, particular syringe size, etc.) associated with the detected size, a second output (e.g., green light, etc.) of the indicator 404 may correspond to a second type of medical device (e.g., disinfection cap, syringe of a different size, etc.) that is different from the first type of medical device, associated with the detected size, and/or an nth output (e.g., red light, etc.) of the indicator 404 may correspond to an nth type of medical device (e.g., catheter, syringe of another different size, etc.) that is different from the first type and second type of medical device, associated with the detected size.
The wireless communication device 406 may be configured to transmit information associated with the size of the end 308 of the other connector 306 of the other medical device 104 (and/or the type of the other medical device 104) to the remote computing device 110. For example, the wireless communication device 406 may transmit an indication of the size of the end 308 of the other connector 306 of the other medical device 104 and/or an indication of the type of the other medical device 104. As an example, the wireless communication device 406 may transmit an indication of the connection of another medical device 104 to the medical device 102 and/or the time associated with the connection, and/or may transmit an indication of the disconnection of another medical device 104 from the medical device 102 and/or the time associated with the disconnection. In some non-limiting embodiments, wireless communication device 406 is configured to transmit information continuously, periodically, and/or in response to at least one of: a polling signal is received from the remote computing device 110 and/or another sensor assembly 106, actuation of the connection sensor 402, or any combination thereof.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, connectivity sensor 402, indicator 404, and/or wireless communication device 406 are sealed from the environment and/or are self-contained (self-contained). For example, the connection sensor 402, the indicator 404, and/or the wireless communication device 406 may be sealed within and/or integrally formed within a water impermeable coating (e.g., a polyimide gasket, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the connection sensor 402, the indicator 404, and/or the wireless communication device 406 are sealed within and/or integrally formed within the medical device 102.
The number and arrangement of components shown in fig. 4 are provided as examples. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 106 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in fig. 4. Additionally or alternatively, one set of components (e.g., one or more components) of the sensor assembly 106 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the device 106.
Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an implementation 500 of the sensor assembly 106 shown in fig. 1, 3, and 4. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 500 may be the same as or similar to the sensor assembly 106. As shown in fig. 5, the sensor assembly 500 may include a force sensor 502. The force sensor 502 may include a plurality of switches 504 and/or a water impermeable coating 505. The plurality of switches 504 may be disposed at different distances from the center C of the connector 304 of the medical device 102. Each switch of the plurality of switches 504 may be configured to be actuated in response to a physical force applied to the switch to connect and/or disconnect current through the switch.
The plurality of switches 504 may include a plurality of conductive circuits 506 surrounding the connector 304 of the medical device 102. For example, as shown in fig. 5, the plurality of conductive circuits may include a plurality of concentric rings 506a (e.g., copper rings, etc.) on a flexible circuit board 506 b.
The plurality of switches 504 may include a flexible layer 508 of conductive or semiconductive material over the plurality of conductive circuits 506. For example, the flexible layer 508 of conductive or semiconductive material may comprise a force sensitive resistor or comprise a carbon and/or graphite infused polymer. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the flexible layer 508 of conductive or semiconductive material can include a flexible copper layer, a flexible silver powder coating, and/or the like. A flexible layer 508 of conductive or semiconductive material may open or close one or more of the plurality of conductive circuits 506 in response to physical pressure applied thereto to actuate one or more of the plurality of switches 504 to connect or disconnect current through the switches. For example, applying physical pressure to a flexible layer 508 of conductive or semiconductive material that is located over (e.g., directly over, etc.) a conductive circuit 506 may actuate a switch 504 that corresponds to the conductive circuit 506, while a lack of physical pressure applied to a flexible layer 508 of conductive or semiconductive material that is located over the conductive circuit 506 may not actuate a switch 504 that corresponds to the conductive circuit 506. As an example, a plurality of conductive circuits 506 (e.g., as concentric ring circuits, etc.) disposed at different distances from the center C of the connector 304 of the medical device 102 enable the flexible layer 508 of conductive or semiconductive material to open or close different ones of the conductive circuits 506 in response to application of physical pressure from the end 308 of the connector 304 of another medical device 104 having different dimensions (e.g., different distances of the outer edge of the end 308 of the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104 from the center C of the connector 304 of the medical device 104, different cross-sectional areas a of the end 308 of the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104, etc.). In such an example, actuation of the switch of the plurality of switches 504 that is furthest from the center C of the connector 304 of the medical device 102 may be associated with the size of the end 308 of the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104.
Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an implementation 600 of the sensor assembly 106 shown in fig. 1,3, and 4. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 600 may be the same as or similar to the sensor assembly 106. As shown in fig. 6, the sensor assembly 600 may include a force sensor 602. The force sensor 602 may include a plurality of switches 604 and/or a water impermeable coating 605. The plurality of switches 604 may be disposed at different distances from the center C of the connector 304 of the medical device 102. Each switch of the plurality of switches 604 may be configured to be actuated in response to a physical force applied to the switch to connect and/or disconnect current through the switch.
The plurality of switches 604 may include a plurality of conductive circuits 606 surrounding the connector 304 of the medical device 102. For example, as shown in fig. 6, the plurality of conductive circuits may include a plurality of concentric rings 606a (e.g., copper rings, etc.) on a flexible circuit board 606 b.
The plurality of switches 604 may include one or more spring loaded metal rings 608 on the plurality of conductive circuits. One or more spring-loaded metal rings 608 can open or close one or more of the plurality of conductive circuits 606 in response to physical pressure applied thereto to actuate one or more of the plurality of switches 604 to connect or disconnect current through the switches. For example, applying physical pressure to a spring-loaded metal ring 608 that is located above (e.g., directly above, etc.) a conductive circuit 506 may actuate a switch 504 that corresponds to the conductive circuit 506, while the lack of physical pressure applied to a spring-loaded metal ring 608 that is located above the conductive circuit 506 does not actuate a switch 504 that corresponds to the conductive circuit 506. As an example, a plurality of conductive circuits 506 (e.g., as concentric ring circuits, etc.) disposed at different distances from the center C of the connector 304 of the medical device 102 enable one or more spring-loaded metal rings 608 to open or close different ones of the conductive circuits 506 in response to applying physical pressure from the end 308 of the connector 304 of another medical device 104 having different dimensions (e.g., different distances of the outer edge of the end 308 of the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104 from the center C of the connector 304 of the medical device 104, different cross-sectional areas a of the end 308 of the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104, etc.). In such an example, actuation of the switch of the plurality of switches 504 that is furthest from the center C of the connector 304 of the medical device 102 may be associated with the size of the end 308 of the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104.
Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an implementation 700 of the sensor assembly 106 shown in fig. 1,3, and 4. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 700 may be the same or similar to the sensor assembly 106. As shown in fig. 7, the sensor assembly 700 may include a force sensor 702. The force sensor 702 may include a plurality of switches 704 and/or a water impermeable coating 705. The plurality of switches 704 may include a plurality of conductive circuits 706 surrounding the connector 304 of the medical device 102. The plurality of switches 704 may include a flexible layer 708 on the plurality of conductive circuits 706 (e.g., a flexible layer of conductive or semiconductive material on the plurality of conductive circuits 706, one or more spring-loaded metal rings on the plurality of conductive circuits 706, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the force sensor 702 may be the same as or similar to the force sensor 502 or the force sensor 602. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the plurality of switches 704 may be the same as or similar to the plurality of switches 502 or the plurality of switches 602. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the water impermeable coating 705 can be the same as or similar to the water impermeable coating 505 or 605. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the plurality of conductive circuits 706 may be the same as or similar to the plurality of conductive circuits 506 or the plurality of conductive circuits 606. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the flexible layer 708 may be the same as or similar to the flexible layer 508 of conductive or semiconductive material on the plurality of conductive circuits 706, the one or more spring loaded metal rings 608 on the plurality of conductive circuits 706.
As shown in fig. 7, force sensor 702 can include an anisotropic elastic material layer 710 on flexible layer 708. For example, the anisotropic elastic material layer 710 may have a stress transfer direction such that a force applied to the anisotropic elastic material layer 710 in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the medical device 102 is transferred by the anisotropic elastic material layer 710 to the flexible layer 708, which may enable a physical force to be transferred to the flexible layer 708 through a distance. As an example, the anisotropic layer elastic material layer 710 may include an extruded material including polymer chains oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the medical device 102 (e.g., oriented along an axis orthogonal to the distal surface of the flexible layer 708). In such examples, when a device is attached to the medical device 102, the anisotropic elastic material layer 710 may protect the flexible layer 708 and transfer force from the attached device to the appropriate portion of the flexible layer 708 uniaxially. For example, the preferred material properties may be such that when a device having a certain geometry and cross-section is attached to a needleless connector, the anisotropic elastic material layer 710 faithfully (faithfully) transmits an approximate pressure profile that presses against the flexible layer 708.
Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of an implementation 800 of the sensor assembly 106 shown in fig. 1,3, and 4. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 800 may be the same as or similar to the sensor assembly 106. As shown in fig. 8, sensor assembly 800 may include an optical sensor 802 and/or a water impermeable coating 805. For example, the optical sensor 802 may be configured to detect at least one of: (i) The distance of the outer edge of the end of the other connector of the other medical device from the center of the connector of the medical device; and (ii) a cross-sectional area of an end of another connector of another medical device. As an example, the optical sensor 802 may detect the attachment of the object of interest based on the reflection of the interrogation beam from the object of interest. As an example, the optical sensor 802 may include a light sensor, a camera, a color sensor, and/or the like. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the sensor assembly 106 can include an optical sensor 802 and a force sensor 502, 602, or 702.
Referring now to fig. 9, a process 900 for identifying device connections in a connection region is illustrated. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more of the steps of the process 900 may be performed (e.g., entirely, partially, etc.) by the sensor assembly 106 and/or the remote computing device 110.
As shown in fig. 9, at step 902, process 900 includes detecting a size of an end of a connector of a medical device. For example, the sensor assembly 106 may detect the size of the end of the connector of the medical device. As an example, the sensor assembly 106 may utilize the connection sensor 402 surrounding the connector 304 of the medical device 102 to detect the size of the end 308 of the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104 when the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104 is connected to the connector 304 of the medical device 102 (e.g., when the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104 is connected to the connector 304 of the medical device 102, when the other connector 304 of the other medical device 104 is being connected to the connector 304 of the medical device 102, etc.).
As shown in fig. 9, at step 904, process 900 includes determining a type of medical device based on the detected size. For example, the sensor assembly 106 and/or the remote computing device 110 may determine the type of medical device based on the detected dimensions. As an example, the sensor assembly 106 and/or the remote computing device 110 may determine the type of another medical device 104 based on the detected size. In such examples, the sensor assembly 106 and/or the remote computing device 110 may access a lookup table relating dimensions of the ends 308 of the connectors 304 of the medical devices 102, 104 (e.g., a distance of an outer edge of the ends of the connectors of the medical devices from a center of the connectors of the medical devices, a cross-sectional area of the ends of the connectors of the medical devices, one or more actuated switches, etc.) and types of medical devices associated with those dimensions.
As shown in fig. 9, at step 906, process 900 includes providing an indication of a type of medical device. For example, the sensor assembly 106 and/or the remote computing device 110 may provide an indication of the type of medical device. As an example, the sensor assembly 106 and/or the remote computing device 110 may provide at least one of an audio indication and a visual indication associated with a size of an end of another connector of another medical device.
As shown in fig. 9, at step 908, process 900 includes transmitting information associated with the detected size. For example, the sensor assembly 106 and/or the remote computing device 110 may communicate information associated with the detected dimensions. As an example, the sensor assembly 106 and/or the remote computing device 110 may utilize a wireless communication device to communicate information associated with at least one of the following to the remote computing device 110: (i) The size of the end of the other connector of the other medical device; and (ii) connection or disconnection of the medical device 102 to another medical device 104. In such an example, the information associated with the detected size may indicate a connection status of the medical device 102 and another medical device 104. For example, the information may indicate a connected state, a disconnected state, a connection level, and/or a time associated therewith between the medical device 102 and another medical device 104.
It should be noted here that the system may also be used to monitor the preparation and/or maintenance of the fluid path in addition to detecting various connection/disconnection conditions. For example, other events that may be acquired include sterilization of the devices of the system, capping/uncapping of the devices of the system, and the monitoring device being placed into or removed from the system (e.g., monitoring placement of a catheter securement device). It is also contemplated herein that the system may detect additional disinfection procedures, such as detecting the preparation of an IV site with an antimicrobial agent.
As shown in fig. 9, at step 910, process 900 includes monitoring and/or controlling one or more medical devices based on information associated with the detected size. For example, the remote computing device 110 may monitor and/or control one or more medical devices based on information associated with the detected dimensions.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the remote computing device 110 may control the flow of fluid in a fluid flow path containing the medical device 102 and another medical device 104 based on information associated with the detected dimensions. For example, the remote computing device 110 may issue an alarm and/or control one or more devices in the fluid flow path to stop fluid flow and/or regulate fluid flow based on information associated with the detected size (e.g., in response to information indicating that the medical device 102 and another medical device 104 in the fluid flow path have been disconnected, in response to information that an incompatible medical device 104 has been connected to the medical device 102, etc.), e.g., using one or more electronically controlled valves.
In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the remote computing device 110 may receive a patient identifier associated with a patient, receive a medication identifier for a medication to be delivered to the patient via a fluid flow path containing the medical device 102 and/or another medical device 104, associate the patient identifier and the medication identifier with the medical device 102 and/or another medical device 104 in the fluid flow path, and control a flow of fluid in the fluid flow path based at least in part on the patient identifier, the medication identifier, and/or information related to the detected size. As an example, the remote computing device 110 may determine at least one of: determining a connection state at an entry point of the fluid flow path; determining a volume of fluid in the fluid flow path and/or at the entry point based on the determined device type; determining a fluid or drug type in the fluid flow path and/or at the entry point; determining a flow rate of the fluid in the fluid flow path and/or at the entry point based on the determined device type and/or drug type; or any combination thereof. For example, remote computing device 110 may compare a drug, drug dose, drug delivery route, and/or drug delivery time determined based on a patient identifier, drug identifier, and/or information associated with a detected size to an approved patient, an approved drug dose, an approved drug delivery route, and/or an approved drug delivery time associated with the patient identifier and/or the drug identifier to reduce drug administration errors. The remote computing device 110 may alert and/or control one or more devices in the flow path to stop fluid flow and/or regulate fluid flow based on the patient identifier, the medication identifier, and/or information associated with the detected size. For example, if a sensed medication at an entry point in the fluid flow path is determined to be an improper medication for the patient, an improper dose for the patient and/or medication, an improper medication delivery path for the patient and/or medication (e.g., an improper entry point into the fluid flow path), and/or an improper medication delivery time for the patient and/or medication, the remote computing device 110 may sound an alarm and/or control one or more devices in the flow path to stop fluid flow.
Although embodiments or aspects have been described in detail for the purpose of illustration and description, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the embodiments or aspects are not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but, on the contrary, are intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment or aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect. Indeed, any of these features may be combined in a manner not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although each of the dependent claims listed below may depend directly on only one claim, disclosure of a possible implementation includes a combination of each dependent claim with each other claim in the set of claims.

Claims (29)

1. A sensor assembly, comprising:
A sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect disconnection when the other connector of the other medical device is disconnected from the connector of the medical device, wherein the sensor comprises a force sensor having a plurality of switches, and wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is configured to be actuated in response to a physical force applied to at least one of the connector and the sensor.
2. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of switches are arranged at different distances from a center of the connector of the medical device.
3. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of switches comprises a plurality of conductive circuits surrounding the connector of the medical device.
4. The sensor assembly of claim 3, wherein the plurality of conductive circuits comprises a plurality of concentric rings.
5. The sensor assembly of claim 3, wherein the plurality of switches comprises a flexible layer of conductive or semiconductive material over the plurality of conductive circuits.
6. The sensor assembly of claim 5, wherein the flexible layer of conductive or semiconductive material comprises a force sensitive resistor or comprises a carbon and/or graphite infused polymer.
7. The sensor assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of switches comprises a water impermeable coating surrounding the flexible layer and the plurality of conductive circuits.
8. The sensor assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of switches comprises an anisotropic elastomeric material layer on the flexible layer.
9. The sensor assembly of claim 3, wherein the plurality of switches comprise a spring loaded metal ring on the plurality of conductive circuits.
10. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor.
11. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor is removably attached to the connector of the medical device.
12. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the sensor is integrally formed with the connector of the medical device.
13. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a needleless connector or a luer connector.
14. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the detected dimension comprises at least one of: (i) The distance of the outer edge of the end of the other connector of the other medical device from the center of the connector of the medical device; and (ii) a cross-sectional area of the end of the other connector of the other medical device.
15. The sensor assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
An indicator configured to provide at least one of an audio indication and a visual indication associated with the size of the end of the other connector of the other medical device.
16. The sensor assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
A wireless communication device configured to transmit information associated with at least one of the following to a remote computing device: (i) The size of the end of the other connector of the other medical device; and (ii) connection or disconnection of the medical device to the other medical device.
17. The sensor assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
one or more processors programmed and/or configured to determine a type of the another medical device based on the detected size.
18. A system, comprising:
A sensor surrounding a connector of a medical device, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a size of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device, and wherein the sensor is configured to detect disconnection when the other connector of the other medical device is disconnected from the connector of the medical device; and
One or more processors programmed and/or configured to determine a type of the other medical device based on the detected size,
Wherein the sensor comprises a force sensor having a plurality of switches, and wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is configured to be actuated in response to a physical force applied to at least one of the connector and the sensor.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of switches are arranged at different distances from a center of the connector of the medical device, and wherein actuation of a switch of the plurality of switches that is furthest from the center of the connector of the medical device is associated with the dimension of the end of the other connector of the other medical device.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the sensor comprises an optical sensor, and wherein the detected dimension comprises at least one of: (i) The distance of the outer edge of the end of the other connector of the other medical device from the center of the connector of the medical device; and (ii) a cross-sectional area of the end of the other connector of the other medical device.
21. The system of claim 18, further comprising:
A wireless communication device configured to communicate information associated with at least one of the following to the one or more processors: (i) The size of the end of the other connector of the other medical device; and (ii) connection or disconnection of the medical device to the other medical device.
22. The system of claim 18, wherein the type of the another medical device comprises a syringe, a catheter, or a disinfection cap.
23. A method, comprising:
Detecting a dimension of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device with a sensor surrounding the connector of the medical device;
determining, with at least one processor, a type of the another medical device based on the detected size; and
Detecting a time when the other connector of the other medical device is disconnected from the connector of the medical device with the sensor surrounding the connector of the medical device,
Wherein the sensor comprises a force sensor having a plurality of switches, and wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is configured to be actuated in response to a physical force applied to at least one of the connector and the sensor.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein detecting a size of the end of the other connector of the other medical device comprises detecting at least one of: (i) The distance of the outer edge of the end of the other connector of the other medical device from the center of the connector of the medical device; and (ii) a cross-sectional area of the end of the other connector of the other medical device.
25. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
at least one of an audio indication and a visual indication associated with the size of the end of the other connector of the other medical device is provided with an indicator.
26. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
Transmitting, with the wireless communication device, information associated with at least one of: (i) The dimension of the end of the other connector of the other medical device; and (ii) connection or disconnection of the medical device to the other medical device.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising:
Controlling, with at least one processor, a flow of fluid in a fluid flow path containing the medical device and the another medical device based on the information.
28. A computer program product comprising at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium containing program instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to:
a sensor controlling a connector surrounding a medical device detects a size of an end of another connector of another medical device when the other connector of the other medical device is connected to the connector of the medical device;
Determining a type of the another medical device based on the detected size; and
Controlling a time at which the sensor surrounding the connector of the medical device detects disconnection of the other connector of the other medical device from the connector of the medical device,
Wherein the sensor comprises a force sensor having a plurality of switches, and wherein each switch of the plurality of switches is configured to be actuated in response to a physical force applied to at least one of the connector and the sensor.
29. The computer program product of claim 28, wherein the program instructions further cause the at least one processor to:
The indicator is controlled to provide at least one of an audio indication and a visual indication associated with the size of the end of the other connector of the other medical device.
CN202180023333.4A 2020-02-12 2021-02-10 Sensor assemblies and systems, methods, and computer program products for identifying devices connected to a device connector Active CN115335109B (en)

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